Kevin Hart talks Nike's Breaking 2, fitness and NBA playoffs

Renowned for his performances on stage and in film, comedian Kevin Hart is one of the most recognised and popular figures in Hollywood.

His humour and infectious personality entertained audiences at Nike’s Breaking 2 in Monza and after spending the previous two hours as a special guest MC, he still cuts an imposing figure as he bounces into the press room, as lively as ever.

It’s just 15 minutes since Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya ran the world’s fastest marathon and the Philadelphia native is eager to reflect on what we’ve just witnessed in Northern Italy.

“It was amazing. We came out to see history being made. We saw someone who really pushed themselves to the limit like I’ve never seen anyone do it before,” Hart told Sport360.

“I mean, 2:00:25 marathon, is unheard of, but the fact that he not only did it, but at the end of it, he was able to maneuver, go and speak, engage with fans. You are looking at someone who you’d refer to as a machine from this point on.”

“As a fan of the sport, and someone who has respect and admiration for those who attempt it, it was great to see.”

He shuffles in his seat – his hands in his red zip-up and black tracksuit pants – but remains funny, open and engaging. For a man of only 5’4, he’s built like the base of a tree, which reflects the dedication to his training considering he’s abroad for the majority of the year.

On Instagram, Hart often shares pictures working out to his 51.7 million followers – running and even lifting weights with household names like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. He’s partied with Ludacris, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z and Drake and even did a multi-million view commercial with David Beckham earlier this year for H&M. A magical lifestyle for those who look in from the outside.

“I’m a guy who believes in regimen,” he said. “I love to be on schedule. (I train) six days a week in the gym, bright and early, mixing it up with running, fitness on all levels, anywhere from core training to strength training to body weight training.”

“I like the fact that you can get out of your body what you put into it. I have a heavy demand that I put on myself so the results I expect are very high. The more I engage in physical fitness and the more I adapt to this healthy lifestyle that I’ve created, the more I’m ultimately going to be.”

Away from the draining work that comes with life on the road, Hart is a massive Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles fan. With the NFL season over and the Sixers bowing out during the regular NBA season, he still holds a keen interest in the playoffs, where Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are currently inching towards a repeat of last year’s final.

“I’m big on history so any time you can simply say you are in a position to witness it, it’s a big deal. What LeBron James’ is doing and what he’s done is great, and looking at the Warriors, the position they have put themselves in is amazing,” he said.

“If you are a fan of the sport then this is the time you love – the playoffs – this is where the nitty gets gritty and where people step up to the plate like they never have before. I’m curious to see what the outcome is going to be. Unfortunately, the ‘Sixers aren’t in there, so I’m just rooting as a fan of the overall sport.”